Each year at the onset of the holiday season many are overtaken by a spirit of heaviness.
Heaviness, oppression and depression can come like intruders or unwanted guests to force their way upon us at a time when we should be filled with peace and joy.
What would you do if every year without fail during the holiday season, a man dressed in dark clothes symbolic of sadness and sorrow... known as Mr. Heaviness, appeared at your door demanding that you let him in?
Would you open the door for your unwanted guest, or would you demand that he leave immediately?
I don't know about you, but when I see undesired patterns in my life, I'm determined to overcome them. The next time this dude showed up I would be armed and ready with my secret weapon.
When we refuse to permit what we do not desire, we are protecting what is rightfully ours.
In Christ we have a secret weapon called praise.
Jesus has given us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:1). But we must choose to use it.
When feelings of heaviness come upon us, we must respond with PRAISE!
By lifting up our hands to the Lord, dancing, skipping, running, cranking up the praise music, and singing and shouting, or however we choose to express our praise - heaviness is lifted, because heaviness cannot penetrate our praise!
HEAVINESS IS A SPIRIT. So whenever we become exuberant with the high praises of God, demonic spirits of oppression, depression, sadness and sorrow flee!
During the holiday season, instead of reflecting on what we've lost, or something that happened in the past, we must set our mind on things above by remembering the goodness of the Lord.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
It's normal to weep for a while, but we cannot live in sorrow. Joy comes when we welcome it into our hearts.
Keys to Overcoming the spirit of Heaviness
- Recognize when heaviness is trying to overtake you, and resist it!
- Make a decision to enjoy the season no matter what.
- Wake up each morning with a grateful heart.
- Put on praise and worship music, or sing a new song to the Lord for His goodness.
- Take your mind off yourself or your problems, and find someone who needs help, and do what you can to bless them.
- Start giving...a smile...a word of encouragement...Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger...whatever comes to mind...give to others.
- Create new memories and traditions that reflect how you desire your holidays to be for years to come.
- Open your heart and allow God to show you His goodness, kindness, mercy.
We don't have to dread the holiday season because of feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression. We can choose to see things from a new prospective. When we fill our mouths with praise, and focus on celebrating our Savior's birth, we will enjoy the fullness of what the season is meant to be.
To know more about How To Experience the Essence of Christmas I invite you to read my December article via Shulamit Woman Magazine.
I hope you are encouraged to lay hold of peace and joy this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Love & Blessings always,
Kathy
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